Green Building Groups Support National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building Standards
In a significant move towards decarbonizing the building sector, nine leading green building and energy efficiency certification organizations in the U.S. have announced their commitment to embed, align, or exceed the recently finalized National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building in their certification programs. This announcement, coinciding with Climate Week in New York City, aims to highlight the critical need for reducing emissions from the buildings sector, which accounts for over one-third of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established this definition to create a standardized understanding of what constitutes a zero-emissions building, thereby fostering transparency and clarity in the pursuit of sustainability.
Certifications from organizations such as USGBC’s LEED v5, Earth Advantage, and the International Living Future Institute will now incorporate this zero emissions definition, providing clear pathways for building owners to validate their properties’ compliance. Many organizations, including the Green Building Initiative and PHIUS, plan to exceed the criteria outlined in the definition, positioning themselves as leaders in climate action. This collaborative effort not only sets a benchmark for new construction and renovations but also signals a unified response to market demands for sustainability. As stakeholders in the green building industry, these organizations are rallying behind this initiative to drive meaningful change and reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.